Concentration of CO2 in the Atmosphere

March 18 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “Wisconsin’s Renewable Energy Wave Is Prompting Some Farmers To Lease Land For Fields Of Solar Panels” • Dean Ortwell, CEO of the Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, said he’s seen farmers offered $750, $800 and even $1,500 per acre in lease offers from solar energy developers. That compares to $250 to $350 per acre for farming uses. [hngnews.com]

Wisconsin farm (Pixy.org, CC0)

  • “Now Chair Of The Senate Budget Committee, Whitehouse Argues That A Warming Planet Poses Fiscal Dangers” • Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is now head of the Senate Budget Committee. His first day there, he gave each of his colleagues a 615-page binder detailing the fiscal threats posed by droughts, storms, wildfires, and rising seas. [CleanTechnica]
  • “Babanango: South Africa’s Big New Game Park Is The Result Of A Dramatic Transformation” • Five years ago, the area now safeguarded by the Babanango Game Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa was virtually devoid of wildlife after decades of cattle grazing and unrestrained hunting. Now, it is coming back to what it had been. [CNN]
  • “US Energy-Related CO₂ Emissions Will Fall Through 2050, EIA Says” • The EIA forcasts US energy-related CO₂ emissions to drop 25% to 38% below what they were in 2005 by 2030. The US energy-related CO2 emissions reductions are driven by greater electrification, higher efficiency, and renewables deployment in the electric power sector. [CleanTechnica]
  • “Morgan Stanley Report Predicts Renewable Energy Will Replace Coal By 2033” • A Morgan Stanley report says renewable energy will replace coal-fired power plants by 2033, according to Power magazine. Coal use for power generation is already on the decline due to lower prices for natural gas and more stringent environmental regulations. [EHS Daily Advisor]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

 

March 17 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “New Study Gives Big Boost To Floating Solar” • A study in the journal Nature Sustainability argues that floating solar on many of the world’s reservoirs could provide a significant share of the renewable energy needed to transition away from electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. This means that pressure is off of land use for solar. [CleanTechnica]

Floating solar array (Courtesy of the US Army)

  • “Will Shipping Return To Its Ancient Roots?” • To get on track to reach net zero emissions by 2050, international shipping will have to reduce its emissions by 15% by 2030. So far, emissions from the industry have been going more or less consistently in the other direction. Emissions from shipping can be reduced by using sails, however. [BBC]
  • “Solar And Wind Dominate India’s Capacity Additions In 2022” • India saw strong growth of renewable capacity in 2022, setting the stage for the country to assume climate leadership in the run up to this year’s G20 summit. Solar and wind capacity accounted for 92% of the year’s total additions. Only 5% of the new capacity was coal-burning. [Ember-climate.org]
  • “Comparing The Net Value Of Geothermal, Wind, Solar, And Solar+Storage In The Western US” • Studies show that a diverse portfolio of zero-carbon resources will be needed to decarbonize the US electricity sector, and that high-capacity-factor renewable resources like geothermal could become particularly important in later stages of decarbonization. [CleanTechnica]
  • “Entergy Seeks To Boost Economic Development In Louisiana Through Renewable Power Expansion” • To do its part to protect the environment and help the state with economic development, Entergy Louisiana recently made the largest renewable power expansion request in state history. It is seeking to add 3 GW of solar capacity. [Market Screener]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

The US states that produce the most residential solar energy

Research reveals which states produce the most solar energy in the US, as searches for solar energy have increased 204% since the beginning of 2023.
With millions of Americans impacted by rising electricity and natural gas prices, solar provider SunPower researched how much energy costs in each state and looked into which states produce the most electricity from clean energy technologies.
The full research can be found here: https://us.sunpower.com/home-solar/solar-energy-report
The 10 states that produce the most residential solar energy:
Rank
State

Total residential solar energy production in the U.S

1
California
39.3%
2
New York
6.1%
3
Arizona
5.9%
4
New Jersey
5.4%
5
Texas
5.2%
6
Massachusetts
4.7%
7
Florida
3.8%
8
Minnesota
2.4%
9
Nevada
2.2%
9
Colorado
2.2%
Further findings:
  • Vermont produces the highest percentage (99.8%) of its total energy from clean sources.
  • Hawaii is the most expensive state for electricity, with an average price of 45.69 ¢/kWh.
  • Idaho has the most affordable electricity prices in the country, 46% less than the U.S. national average, with an average price of 10.51 ¢/kWh.
  • California is the state with electricity prices going up the fastest –  the prices have risen by 78% in the last decade.

Last call for the Woodstove Changeout Program in Vermont!

Only 2 Weeks Left to take advantage of the “Woodstove Change Out and Repairs” Program

Do you have an inefficient woodstove? If yes, read on for a great opportunity to save money and help the environment! The deadline for submitting an application is March 31st. Don’t miss out!

 

What is the new incentive program?
The Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund has announced big incentives to help cover the costs of replacing old inefficient wood stoves with advanced EPA-certified wood stoves, as well as making related repairs required to ensure the woodstove systems installed meet Vermont’s relevant Fire & Building Safety Codes.How much money can I save?
Incentives up to $10,000* are available for those who are eligible.

  • *60-80% of the installation cost up to $6,000 for stove only, and up to $10,000 with repairs

Note: You must work with a Participating Stove Retailer/Installer. Chimney Savers is on the list!

How do I know if I am eligible?

  1. You live in Vermont; AND
  2. You have an inefficient (i.e., a non-EPA certified) woodstove; AND
    • Not sure? Email info@chimneysaversvt.com, or simply respond to this email, with a photo of your stove and we’ll tell you if it’s eligible!
  3. Your annual income is considered moderate to low, based on the county you live in.
    • Click here to find out if your income qualifies

 

March 16 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “Renewables Surge, Yet Carbon Emissions Hit Record. What Gives?” • The world’s emissions of heat-trapping CO₂ rose to record levels last year, according to an International Energy Agency report, but renewable energy sources continued their exponential growth. Some analysts believe that the world’s fossil fuel demand has peaked. [Christian Science Monitor]

Earth from above the Gulf of Mexico (NASA image, Unsplash)

  • “UK Budget: Why Chancellor Jeremy Hunt Is Dead Wrong About Nuclear Power – Dr Richard Dixon” • The nuclear industry and their friends are stepping up their propaganda war but their terrible track record shows that new reactors are still not the answer to either reducing emissions or supplying affordable power. [MSN]
  • “Honda And Volkswagen Accelerate EV Plans” • Honda and Volkswagen both announced plans to ramp up their conversion to electric vehicles. Honda is moving production around to clear factory space for its forthcoming EVs, while Volkswagen says it is committed to investing more than $193 billion worldwide over the next several years. [CleanTechnica]
  • “EPA Finalizes Rule To Cut Down On Harmful Smog And Pollution From Power Plants” • The EPA has finalized what is called its good-neighbor rule, which aims to cut down on smog and NOₓ pollution from coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities. A rule to reduce CO₂ pollution from coal and natural gas-fired power plants is expected soon. [CNN]
  • “Biden-Harris Administration Announces $750 Million To Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies” • The Biden-Harris Administration, through the DOE, announced the availability of $750 million for research, development, and demonstration efforts to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen. Long-term energy storage is one use of hydrogen. [Department of Energy]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

March 15 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “Renewable Energy Market Size To Grow To $2.0 Trillion By 2028” • The Global Renewable Energy market was estimated at $1.20 trillion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach $2.0 trillion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%. Sources counted as renewable energy are wind, ocean, bio, sunlight, the movement of water, and geothermal heat. [openPR.com]

Wind turbine (Crissy Ocallaghan, Pixy.org, CC0)

  • “Inside The Biden Administration’s Fraught Decision To Green-Light The Controversial Willow Project” • About two weeks before the Willow oil project was approved, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland held a meeting with key environmental advocates and Indigenous groups that opposed it. She told them the agency had to make difficult choices. [CNN]
  • “American Lung Association Supports All-Electric Building Act” • The American Lung Association penned a memo in support of the All-Electric Building Act, which seeks to effectively ban gas-powered appliances in residential units. The ALA urges the New York state senate and assembly to include the bill in their new One House budget proposals. [CleanTechnica]
  • “Republicans Want Nuclear Power Back In Maine” • Two Republican lawmakers are looking to bring nuclear power back to Maine. Reps Mark Walker (R-Baldwin) and Richard Campbell (R-Orrington) both have bills in that could open the door to the generation of electricity using nuclear power in Maine for the first time since 1996. [The Maine Wire]
  • “Drought Study Finds Climate Change Responsible, Irrefutable Research” • A NASA-led study published in Nature Water confirms that major droughts and pluvials – periods when precipitation and water storage on land was excessive – have been occurring more often. For the study, NASA scientists examined 20 years of data from the NASA satellites. [CleanTechnica]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

March 14 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “Biden Administration Approves Controversial Willow Oil Project In Alaska” • The Biden administration has approved the massive Willow oil drilling project in Alaska, angering climate advocates and setting the stage for a court challenge. The project could generate enough oil to release 9.2 million metric tons of planet-warming CO₂ per year. [CNN]
  • “Water Disasters On Both Ends Of The Spectrum – Dry And Wet – Are Getting More Intense As Planet Warms, Study Finds” • From lengthy droughts to severe flooding, the intensity of water-related disasters around the world has increased over the last two decades as temperatures climbed to record levels, according to research by NASA. [CNN]
  • “The Alaska Oil Project Will Be Obsolete Before It’s Finished” • Though world leaders now talk constantly about transitioning away from fossil fuels, they also fret about ensuring a supply of oil and gas. But now they are also green-lighting new fossil-fuel projects that won’t start producing energy for years and won’t wind down operations for decades. [The Atlantic]
  • “Volkswagen Picks Canada For New Battery Factory” • In a press release, Volkswagen Group said it and its battery company PowerCo have selected St Thomas in Ontario as the site of its first overseas gigafactory for cell manufacturing. The new factory will produce sustainable unified cells, with the start of production planned for 2027. [CleanTechnica]
  • “NH Community Power: Rates Will Be 20% To 40% Less Than Utility Companies” • Using a model that’s called “transformative” for the energy market, the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire has announced that its initial electricity rate will be 15.8¢/kWh. This is a 20% to 40% savings compared to the state’s utility companies. [New Hampshire Bulletin]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

March 13 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “With Heat From Heat Pumps, US Energy Requirements Could Plummet By 60%” • The actually useful energy we have to make will drop drastically when we apply heat pumps everywhere possible. The energy we have to replace is not what is on the left side of the Sankey diagram, but the rejected energy, on the right side. Electrifying will reduce it a lot. [CleanTechnica]

Energy flow diagram (LLNL image)

  • “A Tidal Power ‘Mega Project’ In One Of Europe’s Iconic Waterways Could Power A Million Homes. But The Costs Are Huge” • If all goes to plan, the Mersey could also play a major role in the UK’s sustainable future. Authorities in Liverpool want the river to be home to a huge tidal power project which, they say, could power up to 1 million homes. [CNBC]
  • “Longest-Lasting Tropical Cyclone On Record” • For over a month, Tropical Cyclone Freddy has cast about in the Indian Ocean, bringing powerful winds and downpours to anything in its long and wandering path. The storm first developed off the North Australian coast on February 6, 2023. On March 8, it was hitting Mozambique for the second time. [CleanTechnica]
  • “Why East Antarctica Is A ‘Sleeping Giant’ Of Sea Level Rise” • Scientists once thought the East Antarctic ice sheet, which has enough water in it to raise sea levels 52 meters (170 ft), was stable. But now its ice shelves are beginning to melt. Some glaciers in what one explorer called the “home of the blizzard” are melting and might be at risk of sudden collapse. [BBC]
  • “Another Step Toward Zero Emissions: A Medium-Duty Electric Mack Truck” • Mack Trucks has announced its Mack® MD Electric, the first electric Mack Truck in the medium-duty segment of the industry. The Mack MD Electric will be available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings. Both models are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax. [CleanTechnica]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

March 12 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “The Growing Impact of Attribution Science in Climate Science” • Attribution science studys how climate change relates to natural weather patterns and variability. It can help us learn the connections between extreme weather and climate change, providing insight into what emissions are driving the worst impacts, and helping shape solutions. [CleanTechnica]

Hurricane (NASA image)

  • “Cyclone Freddy: Winds And Rain Lash Mozambique As Storm Arrives” • Mozambique is being hit by Cyclone Freddy again, as it makes its second landfall this month. It was formed 34 days ago and may become the longest-lasting storm on record. Experts says climate change is making tropical storms around the world wetter, windier, and more intense. [BBC]
  • “Ford F-150 Lightning Production To Resume; Morgan Stanley Pooh-Poohs Tesla Cybertruck” • After a Ford F-150 Lightning parked in a company holding lot caught fire, Ford immediately halted production and stopped shipments until the cause of the fire was identified. The company now says it has found the issue and will resume production. [CleanTechnica]
  • “Texas Senators Unveil Bills To Boost Power Grid Reliability, Foster Natural Gas Production” • Lt Gov Dan Patrick and a bipartisan group of Texas senators shared details of a nine-bill plan to reform Texas’ power grid. The bills would establish loans to maintain natural gas and coal plants while eliminating a state subsidy for renewable energy. [Community Impact]
  • “Safety Costs At Nuclear Plants In Japan Exceed ¥6 Trillion” • Costs for safety measures necessary to restart Japan’s idle nuclear reactors following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster ballooned to over ¥6.09 trillion ($45.11 billiion) in January, according to 11 major power companies in the country. And some companies have not included anti-terrorism costs. [Japan Today]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

March 11 Green Energy News

Headline News:

  • “La Niña Has Ended And El Niño Will Form During Hurricane Season, Forecasters Say” • After three consecutive years of an unusually stubborn pattern, La Niña has ended and El Niño is on the way, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. That could mean a less active Atlantic hurricane season and another spike in global temperatures. [CNN]

Changing weather pattern (NOAA)

  • “EU Agrees To Push For Global Phase Out Of Fossil Fuels Ahead Of COP28 Climate Conference” • European Union countries agreed to promote a global fossil fuel phase out ahead of the UN’s COP28 climate summit. Europe is transforming its energy system to meet climate targets and end decades of reliance on Russian fossil fuels. [CNN]
  • “Bloomberg Calls “Peak ICE” Just As GM Offers Buyouts To Salaried Employees” • Colin McKerracher of Bloomberg New Energy Finance observed that the global market for internal combustion vehicles peaked in 2017 and is now in structural decline. GM announced it is offering to buy out US salaried employees. Is there a connection? [CleanTechnica]
  • “The Ice Cream, A Small $5000 EV, May Spark More EV Interest In The Philippines” • The Ice Cream, a popular small footprint electric vehicle in China, will soon be launched in the Philippines. The vehicle is available in three variants in China: Pudding, Cone, and Sundae, for as little as $5,000. It is made by Chinese car maker Chery. [CleanTechnica]
  • “’Pineapple Express’ Winter Storm Pummels California” • The latest winter storm to hammer California is bringing torrential rain, flash flooding, and landslides. It is closing roads, felling trees and raising avalanche fears. It is the state’s tenth atmospheric river of the winter, and nearly all residents are under weather warning this weekend. [BBC]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.